My New Diaper Bag: The GORUCK Bullet Ruck
My diaper bag essentials.
When my first child was born five years ago, I picked up a diaper bag. At the time, I didn’t overthink it—I grabbed something functional and called it a day. I figured, “It’s a bag with straps for hauling baby stuff. How complicated could it be?” Spoiler alert: I didn’t really know what I was doing.
Fast forward to a few months ago, and I finally made a parenting upgrade I’d been eyeing for a while. After years of dragging around that old, basic bag, I decided it was time for an upgrade that better fit my lifestyle.
Enter the GORUCK Double Compartment Bullet Ruck. I’ve been a fan of GORUCK gear for years, but it wasn’t until my old diaper bag started falling apart that it clicked—why not upgrade to a bag that’s built to last, versatile enough for parenting chaos, and tough enough to handle life long after the diaper stage? Bonus: it doubles as a rucksack, so I can squeeze in a mini workout while carrying everything from snacks to spare clothes. Functional, durable, and perfectly suited for active parents, this bag just made sense.
I won’t say it’s perfect, but for active parents, it might just be the ultimate dad (or mom) bag. Tough, practical, and built to last, it’s one of the best purchases I’ve made in a long time.
GORUCK Bullet Ruck: The Verdict
Durability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance & Function: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Price: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overall: 4.75/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The Bottom Line
The GORUCK Bullet Ruck 18L Double Compartment in Dyneema is the ultimate minimalist upgrade for active parents and adventurers alike. Ultra-light yet insanely durable, this bag handles everything from rucking and traveling to park outings and family vacations. The addition of a second compartment means the perfect balance—just enough organization without sacrificing simplicity or versatility.
The biggest downside? The price. Dyneema isn’t cheap, but considering GORUCK’s legendary lifetime guarantee, it’s less of a backpack purchase and more of an investment in something that’s built to last as long as you do. Some other thing that a classic diaper/parenting/dad/mom bag has that this does not are kid water bottle holders on the outside which would make a big difference.
The GORUCK Bullet Ruck
Selling Points
Durable Dyneema Construction. I never heard of Dyneema but now I’m in love It’s 15 times stronger than steel at the same weight and has 5 times the tear resistance of Kevlar, all while weighing 40% less. Oh, and it’s also water-resistant.
Minimalist Design with Two Compartments. The Bullet Ruck keeps things simple but functional. The added compartment is a welcome upgrade, offering just enough separation for essentials without losing its streamlined profile.
Perfect for Everyday Carry (EDC). At 18L, it’s the ideal size for day-to-day use—small enough to stay light, but big enough to carry the essentials, whether that’s gym gear, a laptop, or a couple of diapers and snacks.
GORUCK Scars Lifetime Guarantee. Like all GORUCK products, the Bullet Ruck comes with their legendary guarantee. It’s built to take a beating, and if something goes wrong, they’ll repair or replace it for free.
Comfortable for Long Carries. The padded shoulder straps distribute weight evenly, making it comfortable for longer wear. The weight is distributed up and down and not in the depth of the bag making it more comfortable too.
Free returns. Hate it? You can send it back within 30 days.
Drawbacks
High Price Point. The Dyneema version carries a premium price tag. While it’s an investment, you’re paying for a bag that will outlast most others.
Limited Capacity for Travel. At 18L, it’s not designed for long trips unless you’re a strict minimalist. This is a daypack, not a weekender. I recommend the Rucker 4.0 for longer trips.
Not Designed as a Parenting Pack. If I were on GORUCK’s design team (Hey GORUCK), I would recommend adding mesh cup holders for easy access to water bottles as well as a separate compartment to store dirty items because well….kids.
“Bombproof Laptop Compartment”which doubles as a ruckplaeholder.
Who Do I Recommend It For?
Parents on the Go. Perfect for carrying all the kids’ stuff while also slipping a ruckplate in there and multitasking to get a workout.
Ruckers and Fitness Enthusiasts. If you’re into rucking or weighted training, this is a great lightweight option for carrying plates or other gear.
Minimalist Travelers. Ideal for quick day trips or as a secondary bag when traveling.
Tips
Keep it organized. Any diaper bag can get gross quickly so had a disposable bag and wipes stashed in there at-the-ready at all times.
Load it with healthy snacks to also have at-the-ready for the kids (and you).
For new ruckers: Don't load it too heavy too quickly during your first workouts. Ease into the rucks, especially with any hilly terrain. For more, check out my article, Rucking For Beginners: Everything You Need To Know.
Specifications/Features
Primary Material: Dyneema Composite Fabric (CT9Hw6/blkwov6)
Back Panel & Shoulder Strap Underside Material: 210D HT (High Tenacity) CORDURA®
18L Dimensions: 11.75” W x 18.5” H x 7”D
18L Weight: 3.1 LBS
Laptop Compartment 18L: 17” H x 10.5” W
Lumbar Support: 4.5” H x 10.5” W x 0.6” D
External Slant Pocket: 12” H x 10.5” W
Internal Power Mesh Pocket 18L: 18” L x 11” W
Built-in Field Pocket: 3.5” L x 8.5” W
Mesh Pocket 1 18L: 10” L x 11” W
Mesh Pocket 2 18L: 13” L x 11” W
Quick Access Pocket 18L: 9” L x 4” W x 3” D
My Experience
I wish I’d gotten this sooner. While I already had a rucksack, constantly unloading and reloading the kid’s stuff every time I wanted to use it for weekend outings was getting old. Now, with the GORUCK Bullet Ruck 18L Double Compartment, I’ve streamlined my routine. The bag stays packed with a 20-pound ruckplate, wipes, diapers, snacks, a changing pad, bandaids, and some toys like Legos and art supplies. It lives by the door, ready to go—just add fresh fruit and water bottles, and we’re out the door in minutes.
On more spontaneous days, I’ll adjust the ruckplate to 10–20 pounds since I’m not always sure how long we’ll be out. For a planned hike or shorter outing, I’ll load it up to 40 pounds for an extra challenge. The ruckplate sits snugly in the dedicated, secure compartment right against my back, which doubles as a laptop sleeve. GORUCK calls it the "Bombproof Laptop Compartment," because it’s reinforced and features a false bottom, so whether you’re hauling a ruckplate or a laptop, you can set the bag down without worrying about damage.
The double-compartment design means the perfect balance: it keeps everything organized without making the pack feel cluttered. Dyneema, the material this bag is made of, is something I didn’t even know about before owning this, but it’s been a game-changer. It’s stronger than Kevlar and steel and water resistant so rainy hikes are a non-issue and cleaning it is simple. I’ve also tested its versatility by using it as a weekender bag on a trip with friends, easily fitting shoes, a water bottle, and a few changes of clothes without a problem.
While the price is steep, I know this is an investment I won’t need to make again anytime soon. My kids are nearly out of diapers and this “diaper bag” is transitioning to a “dad bag” that I plan to use for many, many, years. It has already proven itself as a reliable, do-it-all companion for parenting, fitness, and beyond.
In summary, if you want a durable, versatile parenting bag/diaper bag/dude’s bag (or whatever you want to call it) that keeps your kid’s essentials organized while doubling as a functional ruck and a laptop compartment, this is the one to get.
FAQ
What’s the main difference between the Dyneema version and the standard Bullet Ruck?
The Dyneema version is significantly lighter and more water-resistant while maintaining GORUCK’s rugged durability.
Is it comfortable for all-day use?
Yes, the padded shoulder straps and the fact that the weight sits close to your back make it comfortable, even when fully loaded.
Can it fit a laptop?
Yes, but it’s best suited for smaller laptops (up to 13") or tablets.
Does it work for air travel?
Absolutely—it’s small enough to fit under the seat and great as a personal item or carry-on.
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